Players found ineligible for centre of excellence trials, parents cry foul

In a surprising development, some trainees of the state-run Chandigarh Hockey Academy (CHA) have been found ineligible to appear in the trials for the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE). The centre being run under the banner of the Chandigarh Sports Council functions from at the same venue — Sector 42 Sports Complex— where the CHA is housed.

Interestingly, these players had been part of the CHA for almost seven years. After their contract got over, their age verification documents were reportedly not found in order, making them ‘ineligible’ for the recently held KICSE trials.

“We are not aware what has happened in the past. As of now, they are ineligible and have not been cleared by the authorities concerned for the KISCE trials. If they still think they are not at fault, they can verify their original documents,” said a top official of the Sports Department, seeking anonymity.

The official added, “The centres of excellence follow rules framed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). We are not aware how these players were allowed to play for the CHA and even for Chandigarh or the local association on some occasions in the past. At the same time, we can’t allow injustice to other deserving and eligible applicants.”

The council reportedly demanded Aadhaar card history, which has the record of change in name, date of birth, address or other details. “The department has launched two different standards for inducting players. For the centre of excellence, it sought the Aadhaar history, but for inducting players in the state-run academies no such document was demanded. The players spend a crucial period of their contract with the department and now the authorities have completely ‘disowned’ them,” said a parent, seeking anonymity.

The issue has also been brought to the notice of the higher authorities. “The rules can’t be amended as per the situation. If players are being punished, the officials who allowed them to continue in the CHA without the checking the Aadhaar history should also face action. There should be a uniform criterion,” added another parent from Punjab.

5 players declared overage

Highly placed sources claimed that 13 players were selected under the KISCE and despite checking all documents, five were declared overage. “Despite all hassle, some of the players were found overage (above 20 years) during the bone-age verification medical test…how will the authorities justify this?” asked an official.

As per the announcement, the trials were conducted on April 25 and 26 for girls, and on April 29 and 30 for boys. Those born on or after January 1, 2006, were allowed to appear in the trials.